Gene Lenz, 1960 Olympian, Dies

October 18, GENE Lenz, a member of the 1960 US Olympic team, died yesterday at the age of 68, according to a story in today's San Luis Obispo (Calif.) Tribune. The cause of his death was not released.

Lenz, who graduated with an architectural engineering degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1960, placed seventh in the 400-meter freestyle in the Rome Olympics that year. He also competed in the 1959 Pan American Games.

According to the Tribune, he swam for Cal Poly from 1956-59, winning conference titles in three different events in four consecutive years. While swimming at Cal Poly, he held 14 individual school records.

He was inducted into the school's hall of fame in 1987, alongside baseball stars Mike Krukow and Ozzie Smith and football legend John Madden.

"It is a sad day for Cal Poly Athletics," said Alison Cone, the university athletic director in a news release. "It has been my privilege to work with Gene and I know he has left a great legacy."

Lenz, a US Navy veteran, is survived by his wife, two children and three grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held today at 2 p.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 401 South Lincoln Street, in Santa Maria.

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